Historic HBCU set to play first-ever night game
Tuskegee University is about to flip the switch on history. On Saturday, September 6, the Golden Tigers will host their first-ever home night football game under the lights at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, facing off against HBCU conference rival Central State.
But this isn't just a game. It's the fulfillment of a 99-year-old dream.
Back in 1926, legendary Tuskegee coach Cleve Abbott-yes, the man the stadium is named after-first proposed lighting the field for night games. It was an audacious idea at a time when electricity itself wasn't a guarantee on Southern campuses. Now, nearly a century later, Abbott's vision finally beams to life.
Thanks to a partnership with Alabama Power, new lighting has been installed at the historic 10,000-seat stadium, setting the stage for a game that means more than just football. It's a symbol of progress, perseverance, and pride for one of the most storied programs in HBCU history.
'It gives me great pride to see how Alabama Power has helped light up the Tuskegee campus,' said Jonathan Porter, a Tuskegee alum, Trustee, and Senior Vice President of Customer Operations for Alabama Power. 'Our commitment to the university has been ongoing and these enhancements are another example of our efforts to be strategic partners. Personally, as a second-generation Tuskegee alum. I cannot wait for the first night game and the celebrations that will come with it.'
Tuskegee isn't just any program-they're the winningest team in HBCU football. Now, they're entering a new era, and they're doing it in prime time.
'This is a transformational moment not only for Tuskegee Athletics but for the entire university and community,' said Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin. 'Playing under the lights at Abbott Memorial Stadium gives us new opportunities to engage our fanbase, provide a better game day experience, and showcase our rich traditions to a national audience. We're proud to take this step forward and make history in 2025.'
Last time these two teams clashed, Tuskegee handled business with a 30–14 win over Central State. But this rematch has extra juice. The lights, the legacy, the national spotlight-this will be about more than bragging rights.
It's about reclaiming the narrative around HBCU football, investing in facilities, and creating moments that players-and fans-will never forget.
Tuskegee. Central State. Under the lights.
The post Historic HBCU set to play first-ever night game appeared first on HBCU Gameday.
Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
12 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Abbott throws 7 strong innings, lifts Reds to 4-1 win over the Cardinals
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Andrew Abbott retired the final 18 batters he faced in seven commanding innings, and the Cincinnati Reds avoided a three-game sweep with a 4-1 win against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. Jose Trevino, Jake Fraley and Elly de la Cruz each doubled and scored, and Matt McLain hit his ninth home run for the Reds. The Cardinals had a five-game winning streak snapped. Trevino doubled and scored on Fraley's liner to the right-center field gap that put the Reds ahead 2-1 in the fifth. After a passed ball, Fraley scored on TJ Friedl's sacrifice fly. Cincinnati extended the lead when de la Cruz doubled to lead off the sixth and scored on Gavin Lux's RBI groundout. Abbott (7-1) allowed only three singles, including Yohel Pozo's RBI single in the second inning. The Cardinals didn't have another base runner until Taylor Rogers issued a one-out walk to Jose Barrero in the eighth. Abbott had three strikeouts and lowered his ERA to 1.79. Jake Fraley had 10 putouts in right field on fly balls. Miles Mikolas (4-5) allowed three runs, two earned, in five innings for St. Louis. He struck out six and walked one. McLain put Cincinnati up 1-0 on a 387-foot home run into the right-field bullpen in the first inning. St. Louis responded with a run in the second on three straight grounders to the right side — singles by Nolan Arenado and Pozo sandwiched around a fielding error by McLain on Thomas Saggese's grounder to second. Key moment After Pozo's single tied the game and put runners on first and second with no outs, Abbott struck out Jordan Walker to start his run of dominance. He got Barrero to foul out and Brendan Donovan to fly out to end the threat. Key stat The Reds have not been swept in any of their first 25 series this season. It's their longest streak to start a season since 1989 (30 consecutive series). Up next The Cardinals host the Cubs on Monday night the first meeting of the division rivals this season, with St. Louis LHP Matthew Liberatore (4-6, 4.08 ERA) set to start. ___
Miami Herald
16 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Former 90's Indiana Pacer began his career at an HBCU
As the Indiana Pacers stand one win away from its first ever NBA Championship we started thinking about one of their solid backup players from the 1990s. Before Haywoode Workman became a trusted NBA guard-and later an NBA referee-his basketball story began at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). He started his college career at Winston-Salem State University before transferring to Oral Roberts University. Workman played his freshman season at Winston-Salem in 1984. He then moved to Oral Roberts, where he sat out the 1985–86 season due to transfer rules. Over the next three seasons, he became a standout player. He averaged 17.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. To this day, Workman ranks among Oral Roberts' all-time leaders in steals, assists, and scoring. In 2003, the school honored him with induction into its athletics Hall of Fame. Workman was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the 1989 NBA Draft. He went on to play eight seasons in the league, including four memorable years with the Indiana Pacers. During his time in Indiana, Workman became known for his steady leadership and court vision. He averaged 5.5 points and 3.9 assists per game in 359 total appearances. After his playing days, he remained close to the game. In 2008, he joined the NBA's officiating crew-making him one of the few former players to transition into a referee role. Tonight, the Indiana Pacers face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. If Indiana pulls off the win, it will mark the team's first NBA championship. Veterans like Workman, Reggie Miller, and others will be among the proud alumni celebrating. For Workman, it would be a full-circle moment-cheering for the franchise where he made his biggest impact. The post Former 90's Indiana Pacer began his career at an HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
Michael Vick and HBCU counterpart come full circle
While Michael Vick was getting selected first overall in the 2001 NFL Draft, HBCU football star Tory Woodbury had to take a different route to the league. Woodbury went undrafted out of Division II HBCU Winston-Salem State, but still managed to earn a spot in the NFL. He starred as a quarterback at WSSU but carved out a pro career as a special teams ace with the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints. Nearly 25 years later, Woodbury has reunited with Vick on the inaugural Norfolk State coaching staff. He now serves as the Spartans' special teams coordinator. The two recently shared a moment of reflection in a video posted by Woodbury. At Winston-Salem State, Woodbury made a name for himself by leading the Rams to back-to-back CIAA titles in 1999 and 2000. He set several passing records during his career and entered the 2001 NFL Draft as the second-fastest quarterback behind Vick. After his playing days ended, Woodbury began coaching. He started at Delaware State as a running backs coach and later spent three seasons as offensive coordinator at Johnson C. Smith. Woodbury then joined the NFL again as a scout with the Los Angeles Rams. He returned to the sidelines as an assistant special teams coach and helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI. He transitioned back to college football in 2022 at Morgan State, then moved on to Howard University. At Howard, Woodbury led a special teams unit that blocked six field goals, ranking fifth nationally in the FCS. His journey from HBCU standout to Super Bowl champion and now Norfolk State assistant coach Michael Vick reflects a full-circle moment in HBCU football history. The post Michael Vick and HBCU counterpart come full circle appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
